Father charged in tot's death

OTTAWA, Ohio - A 23-year-old man was charged yesterday in the death of his 5-month-old son, who died from shaken-baby syndrome.

Ricky Daniels of Columbus Grove faces one count of child endangering, a second-degree felony. Additional charges are pending in the April 1 death of the baby, Trey Daniels, Putnam County Sheriff James Beutler said yesterday.

Mr. Daniels, who was being held last night at the Putnam County Detention Center, was taken into custody yesterday without incident. He is to be arraigned this morning in Putnam County Court, Ottawa.

His arrest follows the release of a preliminary autopsy report from the Lucas County coroner's office, which indicated that Trey died of shaken-baby syndrome. That's when an infant is shaken so violently that the brain is damaged, causing internal bleeding.

Dr. Cynthia Beisser, deputy Lucas County coroner, confirmed that Trey died as a result of shaken-baby syndrome. Dr. Beisser said a final autopsy report will be issued after more tests. Those results might not be returned for several weeks.

Trey Daniels died just before noon April 1 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, where he was transported from St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

The investigation into the baby's death stems from a 911 call Mr. Daniels placed at 4:26 a.m. March 30. In the call, he requested medical help at his home for his son, who was not breathing.

Sheriff Beutler said he could not release more information about Trey's death because additional charges are expected. There are no other suspects in the baby's death, the sheriff added.

The baby's mother, Michelle Boden, was living at the Columbus Grove residence with Mr. Daniels at the time of the baby's injury.

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